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Cited by 161melanin and skin pigmentationMicrobial Metabolism and ApplicationsMedicinal Plant Research

Pharmacological properties of melanin and its function in health

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ElObeid, Adila Salih, Kamal‐Eldin, Afaf, Abdelhalim, Mohamed Anwar K., Haseeb, Adil M.·2017·Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
DOI 10.1111/bcpt.12748
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Abstract

The biological pigment melanin is present in most of the biological systems. It manifests a host of biological and pharmacological properties. Its role as a molecule with special properties and functions affecting general health, including photoprotective and immunological action, are well recognized. Its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, radioprotective, hepatic, gastrointestinal and hypoglycaemic benefits have only recently been recognized and studied. It is also associated with certain disorders of the nervous system. In this MiniReview, we consider the steadily increasing literature on the bioavailability and functional activity of melanin. Published literature shows that melanin may play a number of possible pharmacological effects such as protective, stimulatory, diagnostic and curative roles in human health. In this MiniReview, possible health roles and pharmacological effects are considered.

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Cited by

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Authors
ElObeid, A. S., Kamal‐Eldin, A., Abdelhalim, M. A. K., & Haseeb, A. M.
Affiliations
  • King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre National Guard & Health Affairs Riyadh Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates University (AE)
  • King Saud University (SA)
Corresponding author
Abdelhalim, Mohamed Anwar K.
ORCID
Venue
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2017-03-07
Volume
120
Issue
6
Pages
515-522
ISSN
  • 1742-7835 (ISSN-L)
  • 1742-7843
DOI
10.1111/bcpt.12748
OpenAlex
W2567067044
Cited by
161
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 29 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 1
FWCI
0.79
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
King Saud University (RGP‐285)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biotechnology › Microbial Metabolism and Applications
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Medicinal Plant Research
Keywords
melanin, pharmacological properties, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, immunomodulation, radiation protection, photoprotection, bioavailability, neurodegenerative diseases, hypoglycemic effect, hepatoprotection, gastroprotection
MeSH terms
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antioxidants, Humans, Immune System, Liver, Melanins, Radiation-Protective Agents, Sunscreening Agents, Anticarcinogenic Agents, Gastrointestinal Tract

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